Get Paid to Play Video Games

How to Become a Video Game Tester

“Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”is a saying which has been around for ages and there is a reason behind that; it’s true. To find a career in which you can wake up every morning and be excited about is everyone’s dream.

For all the video game fanatics out there, and based on sales of various consoles and games, there are millions of you, video game testing could be your path to that kind of satisfaction.

Before we go further, let’s take a quick look at what will actually be entailed with becoming a full-time video game tester.

1. Playing video games. This seems like a no-brainer, but most people have the wrong idea with regard to this job requirement.

Instead of merely playing a game straight through in an attempt to beat it, you will be required to seek out bugs and inconsistencies. This means a lot of repetitive replaying of the game.

If you’re attention span isn’t top notch, think about if this is will really appeal to you, as a lot of time will be spent doing the same level over and over again.

2. Taking notes. If you thought notes are merely something for school, this is where you learn that education really does prepare you for the real world.

You will need to maintain detailed notes regarding what you find in your game play.

3. Writing reports. After you’re done playing the game, the companies who hire you need to know what you’ve actually discovered.

For many gamers, this will actually take more time than the actual game play itself. Your reports will need to be detailed, grammatically-correct, and professional grade.

Still interested? Read on.

Establishing what you want to do is a great start, but figuring out how to get there is the next step. So how does one become a video game tester?

Step 1 – Research. Spend time researching and finding out what kind of console or company for which you would like to test.

Once you’ve established your target employer, find out everything you can about the company.

Know their games or systems inside and out. And, of course, don’t forget to see if they are actually looking to hire game testers.

Step 2 – Contact companies. You will be applying for a career, same as with any other job in any other field, so it is time to reach out.

Go directly to the companies looking to hire game testers. Introduce yourself to them with a cover letter and resume.

In your cover letter, be sure to tell them who you are, what kind of experience you have, and why you would be the game tester they need.

Step 3 – Interview. Prepare for the interview ahead of time and walk in with confidence.

By this stage, you should know why you are qualified, what the company is about, and have reasons why they should hire you.

Step 4 – Follow up. It is always a great idea to send a follow up note.

Be sure to thank your interviewer for his time, remind him why you are the ideal candidate, and include contact information so the company can get a hold of you.

Keep in mind that being a video game tester is a career and, as such, you need to approach it the same way you would any other job.

Be proactive, be professional, and sell yourself and your abilities and you can spend your days doing what you love!